Types of Projects

Types of Projects

• The senior selects the topic for the project and creates an essential question with the guidance of the advisor. 

• The essential question guides the project. 

• All projects must adhere to the Lower Merion School District requirements for attendance in school and at any extra curricular activities. 

• Speak to your advisor about any issues that might require special attention or consideration before the assignment completion process begins.

Unpaid Internship

Identify a business or industry that interests you. Seek out a placement with a local company.

Example project: Explore the workings of a business as an intern.

Example essential question: How does a successful business professional work on a team to advance the cause of a company’s strategic plan?

Example placement and activity: Find a placement with a local company that will allow you to work directly for one or more of their teams (within the guidelines of safety). Ask if some work can be completed independently. 

Volunteer Service Learning

Connect a service experience to an academic subject of your choice.

Example 1 project: Connect what you have learned about the importance of indigenous flora in environmental science class to a service project for a local non-profit environmental organization.

Example 1 essential question: What is the importance of protecting indigenous flora and fauna?

Example 1 placement and activity: Participate in a service project at Riverbend Environmental Education Center that clears non-indigenous flora and learn why this is important. Ask if some work can be completed independently.

Example 2 project: Connect what you have learned in social studies class about food insecurity and consider the issue in your community.

Example 2 essential question: What resources are needed to solve the problem of food insecurity on the Main Line and what can I do to help meet that need?

Example 2 placement and activity: Volunteer at a local food bank. Ask if some work can be completed independently.

Service Project for the Community

Identify a need in our community and volunteer at a non-profit that meets that need.

Example project: Libraries offer computer access to people who might not otherwise have that access, but these users might be unfamiliar with certain programs.

Example essential question: How can I use my knowledge of computers to help people research in a library setting?

Example placement and activity: Reach out to a Lower Merion library with a plan to troubleshoot and offer assistance to those using computers in the library.

Individually-Designed Project Option

Create a project that is independent in nature. Build a small business; research a scientific problem; write and direct a short film; facilitate a concert; facilitate an art show; create and produce an open-mic night; organize a pickleball tournament; become an artist who creates and sells their art; get involved in local politics. 

Example project: Find a mentor who will help you explore a passion. Together, create a project to learn more deeply about that passion. Perhaps it's is in the field of sports where you can create a pickleball tournament.

Example essential question: How do I create a pickleball tournament that allows new and seasoned players to participate, learn, and enjoy the sport?

Example placement and activity: With assistance from your mentor, develop a pickleball tournament that runs during the experiential phase (approximately three weeks).

Example 2 project: Find a mentor who will help you explore a topic of interest to research. 

Example 2 essential question: How can the United States lessen the dependence on fossil fuels and still be the leading economic power in the world? 

Example 2 placement and activity: With assistance from your mentor, develop research and essay development plans for the experiential phase.